International Potato Center
Job Description
CIP Malawi is implementing a project namely, Root and Tuber Crops for Agricultural Development in Malawi (RTC-ACTION), bridging year (1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023). The project is funded by the Embassy of Ireland in Malawi. One of the objectives of the bridging year is to develop an approach for business development and commercialization of Root and Tuber Crops (RTC) in Malawi. This approach will guide the development and implementation of a future RTC project proposal which will focus on RTC commercialization. Specifically, these RTCs are Potato, Sweetpotato and Cassava.
Objectives:
- To evaluate and review the root and tuber crops breeding and general crop improvement strategy for Malawi.
Activities
- Conduct a desk review and an appraisal on the available breeding and general crop improvement strategies being implemented by the different partners in Malawi for Cassava, Potato and Sweetpotato
- Conduct a desk review and an appraisal on the available breeding and general crop improvement strategies being followed by countries that have managed to effectively implement commercialization of the RTCs in SSA region
- Identify traits for the different value chain players (farmers, vendors, transporters, processors and consumers) in the cassava, potato and sweetpotato value chains to be taken into consideration in the next breeding and crop improvement strategy for Malawi
- Designing of the study approach with different partners for a targeted breeding approach strategy that will enhance a commercialization drive for the 3 RTCs in Malawi. The study output should include:
- Best practices from the evaluation of RTC current breeding and crop improvement strategies being implemented by CIP, IITA and DARS in Malawi and other sub-Saharan countries identified.
- Organizations and development programs involved in the production, transportation, utilization, postharvest handling, and trading in the 3 RTCs including their traits of interests identified.
- A comprehensive strategy developed showing different traits that should be prioritized for the specific market segment (e.g. bread, crisps, biscuits, flour, other), consumers, age and gender to enhance the commercialization drive of the 3 RTCs, but also enhancing the resilience and nutritious agri-food systems in the farming communities.
Qualifications/special skills
- PhD degree in Plant Breeding, Agronomy and/or Anthropology or related studies,
- Knowledge of developing crop improvement strategy
- 8 years and above of post-qualification experience.
- Good experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative studies.
- Excellent report writing skills
Method of Application
Applicants should apply online through our CIP’s Job Opportunities website ( http://cipotato.org/open-vacancies/), including a full C.V with the names and contact information of three references that are knowledgeable of the candidate’s professional qualifications and work experience. Screening of applications will begin October 17, 2022 and will continue until the post is filled. All applications will be acknowledged, however only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
The consultant WILL NOT have contact with children or vulnerable adults
Learn more about CIP by accessing our web site at http://www.cipotato.org .
CIP is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified women and professionals from developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply.